Denmark: Knud E. Hansen Provides Design, Technical Support for Refit of SAGA SAPPHIRE

SAGA SAPPHIRE, SAGA Cruises newest vessel, has undergone a makeover with Knud E. Hansen A/S as the Naval Architect and Marine Engineers Knud E. Hansen A/S has evaluated the vessel on behalf of SAGA Cruises prior to the purchase, among the elements analysed were structural integrity, stability, safety and fire protection.

“The choice of Knud E. Hansen A/S as the consultant for the project was a feather in our cap” says Giuseppe Tringali, General Manager of Knud E. Hansen A/S in Greece “We were selected for this project based on our experience as we have provided marine engineering and project management to similar projects for many years”.

SAGA relied on Knud E. Hansen A/S for their design package to Classification Society and Flag. As part of the process significant parts of the upper decks have been altered or retrofitted; this includes new cabins with balconies, changed restaurant lay-outs and installation of elevators to allow disabled people to access all areas of the vessel.

“Our engineers have often visited the shipyard in Italy during the refit to monitor the progress” continues Giuseppe Tringali. “There has been a close cooperation with yard, interior designers, and classification society through which Knud E. Hansen A/S has proactively met concerns and issues early on and during the build process”.

The work on the SAGA SAPPHIRE has also included all system drawings and documentation of the electrical, piping and HVAC systems for the modified areas. This documentation has been provided to the classification society for approval.

About SAGA SAPPHIRE

The SAGA SAPPHIRE was acquired by SAGA Cruises in 2011. The vessel has been refurbished and retrofitted to become part of the SAGA Cruise lines. RPW of London have been responsible for the interior design. The makeover was done by FINCANTIERI in their Palermo yard in Italy. SAGA SAPPHIRE is under Germanischer Lloyds Class and sails under the Maltese Flag.

Knud E. Hansen A/S combines an innovative approach with the experience gained from working with numerous clients and vessel types enabling the company to tailor and optimise a product to your specific requirements. The company aims to provide state of the art, innovative and practical solutions to its customers with dialogue and personal service being key parts of the process.

The achievements

• More than 650 vessels have been built to its designs.
• More than 400 hull lines developed and model tested.
• More than 225 conversions have been carried out to its designs and specifications.
• More than 1000 surveys, feasibility and R&D studies and other services have been undertaken.

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Source: knudehansen, April 11, 2012